02-07-2025
'War must not be in vain': Wounded soldiers call for Gaza war to continue until Hamas is defeated
'Give meaning to our blood,' they said, insisting that the fighting must result in a clear and decisive victory against the terrorist organization.
Several IDF soldiers who were wounded during the Israel-Hamas War urged the government on Monday morning to continue military operations until Hamas is fully dismantled as a governing and military force.
Standing outside the Knesset, the soldiers delivered a public message demanding that the war not end prematurely. 'Give meaning to our blood,' they said, insisting that the fighting must result in a clear and decisive victory against Hamas.
Lt.-Col. (res.) Itamar Eitam, one of the officers in the unit that killed former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was interviewed on 103FM on Tuesday by broadcaster Shai Golden and Prof. Aryeh Eldad, a former Knesset member and physician, about the issue.
He stated that the campaign's objectives must include the complete removal of Hamas's governance and military presence in Gaza.
'The war cannot end when Hamas remains a ruling entity with military capabilities in Gaza,' Eitam said.
The senior officer, himself wounded during the conflict, reflected on the sacrifices made by soldiers on the front line.
'I met young men who left behind their families and children, gave everything, and paid a heavy price,' he said. 'I was injured. Thank God I'm okay. But others paid dearly—and they stand proud, saying, 'We are not victims of misfortune. This was a sacrifice of dignity, charity, and commitment to the public good.'
Eitam emphasized that his group is not trying to challenge military or political leadership but wants to ensure the government remains focused on the war's original aims.
'We are not replacing any commanders or statesmen. We are simply stating that the war's goal must be to dismantle Hamas—to ensure it is no longer a ruling or military force in Gaza,' he said. 'We see what is unfolding. The prime minister is heading to the United States, and it is clear this could mark the start of concluding discussions. We want to be very clear: the war must not end while Hamas retains power.'
He added that ending the war is not the issue, but ending it without results would be.
'Of course, we want the war to end,' Eitam said. 'But we must remain attentive to Israel's security needs and the stated goals of the campaign. Some claim reservists and soldiers are exhausted and question the point of continued fighting. We, as wounded veterans and combatants, are saying: we are capable, ready, unafraid, and undeterred. And because of what we have endured, this war must not be in vain.'
Eitam concluded with a personal appeal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
'The prime minister draws strength from voices like ours,' he said. 'From trainers, bereaved families, the wounded, and from countless fighters telling him: 'We are ready—keep going.' We want our sacrifices to count. We want long-term security for the people of Israel, for our borders, and for our children. My son just completed 11th grade. I do not want him to spend the next two years in Gaza.'
